About
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution - Our Mission Statement
The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our Country.
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR or SAR) was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. SAR is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and promoting education to our future generations. SAR members volunteer untold hours of service each year in their local communities. SAR is very active in assisting veterans. We proudly assist teachers with living history interpreters, lesson planning materials and reenactment events for school aged youth to attend.
As one of the largest male societies in the country, SAR boasts tens of thousands of active members in over 550 chapters across the United States and internationally. Any male 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove blood lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. We were on the razor’s edge in allowing DNA results to be used to prove descent for those with unclear roots. SAR National Headquarters houses one of the nation’s premier genealogical libraries. NSSAR is a Congressionally Chartered Organization and is exempt from Federal income taxes under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Cape Cod and Islands Chapter
On December 9, 1977, sixteen local members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) gathered for dinner to form the “Cape Cod Chapter”. Officers were elected to serve for two years and were sworn in by Robert C. Bolton, president of the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
On February 19, 1978, the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (MASSAR) bestowed upon the Cape Cod Chapter its Charter and subsequently was presented by the Massachusetts’ President Bolton to the Chapter President Milton S. Braddock on April 22, 1978.
Chapter Meeting Luncheons began in February 1982. In January 2009, the Captain Joshua Gray-Jonathan Hatch Chapter members of the Massachusetts State Society Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) were invited to attend the luncheon. On January 19, 2013, the first annual SAR/DAR joint meeting was held.
On December 16, 2023, the Chapter approved to change its official name to “Cape Cod and Islands” Chapter, to reflect a greater inclusion of those Chapter compatriots who live on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.